Remote Sensing Using Earth for Planetary Comparisons

What is remote sensing? Remote sensing is the analysis of data collected by precision instruments such as cameras, probes, radar, and sensors to make predictions about a place you might not be able to visit. Instruments can be space based (satellites and space probes) or aircraft based (aerial photography and radar).

Earth is such a vast place that the ability to understand why and how things happen requires scientists to seek and use large data sets to interpret changes. These types of large data sets, including images such as aerial photos, satellite images and EMS analysis can most easily be obtained by using remote observation techniques.

Knowledge that scientist gain about Earth by analyzing this data can then be applied to the analysis of data gathered using the same methods of foreign bodies (stars, planets and satellites).

Remote Sensing To begin, you will be given one image to observe

Remote Sensing The remote sensing images of Earth you will observe in this activity were taken by astronauts from the International Space Station using hand held cameras.

Remote Sensing Identifying geologic features on different planets and moons.

Planet Systems Atmosphere: gas surrounding planet surface Biosphere: all living things Hydrosphere: water in solid and liquid state Geosphere: Rocks, soils, sediment.

Planet Processes: Aeolian Features created by or associated with wind. Sand Dunes-mounded sand Wind Streaks-sand or particles are blown off or onto a surface Yardang-sharp ridge oriented in the same direction formed from abrasion.

Planet Processes: Impact Features created by impact by a meteor.

Planet Processes: Fluvial Features created by or associated with flowing water. Channels Drainage networks/valleys Delta

Planet Processes: Volcanic Features created by or associated with volcanic activity Volcano Caldera Lava Flows

Comparing Earth’s features to other planets is called comparative planetology.

Sensors and Platforms Passive Sensors – Depend on an external source of energy usually the sun.

Sensors and Platforms Passive Sensors – Depend on an external source of energy usually the sun. Photographic cameras, EMS sensor.

Sensors and Platforms Active Sensors – Have their own source of energy. Example: RADAR

Sensors and Platforms Active Sensors – Have their own source of energy. Example: RADAR Radio Detection and Ranging.

Orbits and Swaths Geostationary Orbits – Positioned over the same portion of a planets surface at all times.

Orbits and Swaths Near-polar Orbit: Follow north-south orbit which, in conjunction with Earth’s rotation (west-east), allows them to cover most of Earth’s surface over a period of time.

Orbits and Swaths Near-polar Orbit traveling northward is called Ascending Orbit. Traveling south is Descending Orbit.

Orbits and Swaths Swath – area imaged by a pass of a satellite. Nadir point – area directly below satellite.

Factors Effecting Features The least helpful descriptor is?

Factors Effecting Features Fluvial Process What must you have or once had? Must be a balance between temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Factors Effecting Features Aeolian Process What must the body have or once had? Atmosphere

Factors Effecting Features Volcanic Process What must the body have or once had? Hot Interior

Factors Effecting Features Impact What would effect the number of impacts on a body the most? Thickness of atmosphere